JP6583803B2 - Electrochromic device - Google Patents

Description

  The present disclosure relates to electrochromic devices.

  Conventionally, as shown in Patent Document 1, an electrochromic device is disclosed in which a transparent state and a reflection (light-shielding) state can be repeatedly changed by repeatedly performing metal deposition and dissolution.

International Publication No. 2016/021190

  The present disclosure provides an electrochromic device that can make metal deposition more uniform in-plane.

  An electrochromic device according to the present disclosure is provided between a first electrode having translucency, a second electrode provided to face the first electrode, and the first electrode and the second electrode. An electrolyte containing a metal that can be deposited on the first electrode or the second electrode according to a potential difference between the first electrode and the second electrode, and at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode. A drive unit configured to apply a predetermined potential to the target electrode; and a control unit configured to change a portion to which the predetermined potential is applied in the target electrode during the application period of the predetermined potential.

  The electrochromic device in the present disclosure can make the metal deposition more uniform in the plane.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electrochromic device according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the electrochromic element in the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of the electrochromic device in the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the principle of the electrochromic element in the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining the problems of the conventional electrochromic device. FIG. 6 is a correlation diagram showing the relationship between the position in the electrode of the conventional electrochromic device, the film thickness of the metal thin film, and the dissolution time. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a change in applied voltage of the electrochromic device according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a correlation diagram showing the relationship between the position in the electrode of the electrochromic device in the embodiment, the thickness of the metal thin film, and the dissolution time. FIG. 9 is a plan view of the first electrode in the first modification of the embodiment. FIG. 10 is a transition diagram showing a change over time of an electrode application portion in the first modification of the embodiment. FIG. 11 is a correlation diagram showing the relationship between the resistance between adjacent terminal portions based on the distance between the electrodes of the electrochromic device in Modification 1 of the embodiment, the thickness of the metal thin film, and the dissolution time. FIG. 12 is a plan view of the first electrode in Modification 2 of the embodiment. FIG. 13 is a plan view of another first electrode in Modification 2 of the embodiment. FIG. 14 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an end portion of the electrochromic element of the electrochromic device according to the embodiment. FIG. 15 is a conceptual diagram of the smart mirror in the embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. However, more detailed explanation than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed descriptions of already well-known matters and redundant descriptions of substantially the same configuration may be omitted. This is to avoid the following description from becoming unnecessarily redundant and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

  In addition, the inventors provide the accompanying drawings and the following description in order for those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims. Absent. In other words, each of the embodiments described below shows a specific example of the present disclosure. Therefore, the numerical values, shapes, materials, components, component arrangement, connection forms, and the like shown in the following embodiments are merely examples, and are not intended to limit the technology in the present disclosure. Therefore, among the constituent elements in the following embodiments, constituent elements that are not described in the independent claims indicating the highest concept of the present disclosure are described as arbitrary constituent elements.

  Each figure is a mimetic diagram and is not necessarily illustrated strictly. Accordingly, the scales and the like do not necessarily match in each drawing. Moreover, in each figure, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the substantially same structure, The overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted or simplified.

(Embodiment)
Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.

[1. Constitution]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electrochromic device 100 in the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, an electrochromic device (hereinafter referred to as an EC device) 100 includes an electrochromic element (hereinafter referred to as an EC element) 110, a drive unit 120 that drives the EC element 110, and a drive unit. 120 and the control part 130 which controls the switch part 140, and the switch part 140 which switches the connection of EC element 110 and the drive part 120 are provided.

  The EC element 110 is an element whose optical state can be changed according to an applied electric field. Specifically, the drive unit 120 applies an electric field to the EC element 110 to change the optical state of the EC element 110. The optical state includes, for example, a transparent state in which light (visible light) is transmitted and a light-shielded state in which light is blocked (not transmitted). The EC element 110 in the present embodiment can realize a transparent state and a reflective state in which light is reflected as an example of a light shielding state. The reflection in the reflection state is specular reflection, but may be scattering reflection.

  The optical state may include a scattering state that scatters light or an absorption state that absorbs light. The optical state may include a toning state that changes the wavelength (color) of transmitted or reflected light. The EC device 100 according to the present embodiment switches the optical state of the EC element 110 between a transparent state and a reflective state, for example, by controlling an electric field applied to the EC element 110.

  FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the EC element 110 in the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of the EC device 100 in the present embodiment. FIG. 3 schematically shows the connection relationship between the EC element 110 and the drive unit 120, and the control unit 130 is not shown.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the EC element 110 includes a first substrate 111, a second substrate 112, a first electrode 113, a second electrode 114, a spacer 115, and an electrolytic solution 116. As schematically shown in FIG. 2, the electrolytic solution 116 contains a metal 117.

  A first electrode (transparent electrode) 113 is formed on the main surface of the first substrate 111 on the second substrate 112 side. A second electrode (counter electrode) 114 is formed on the main surface of the second substrate 112 on the first substrate 111 side. That is, the first substrate 111 and the second substrate 112 are provided so that the first electrode 113 and the second electrode 114 face each other. In the present embodiment, the distance between the first electrode 113 and the second electrode 114 is, for example, 0.2 mm, but is not limited to this, and may be changed as appropriate.

  A spacer 115 is provided between the first electrode 113 and the second electrode 114. The spacer 115 together with the first electrode 113 and the second electrode 114 forms a flat plate-like space. The space is filled with the electrolytic solution 116.

  The first substrate 111 and the second substrate 112 are formed using an insulating material such as glass or resin. The first substrate 111 and the second substrate 112 are, for example, translucent plates and are provided to face each other. The planar view shape of the first substrate 111 and the second substrate 112 is, for example, a rectangle, but is not limited thereto, and may be a shape including a curve such as a circle.

  The first electrode 113 is a light-transmitting conductive film. The first electrode 113 is a transparent electrode such as ITO (Indium Tin Oxide). The first electrode 113 is provided on the first substrate 111. The planar view shape of the first electrode 113 is, for example, a rectangle.

  In the present embodiment, the first electrode 113 is a target electrode to which a potential is applied from the drive unit 120. The first electrode 113 has a plurality of terminal portions 113a and 113b.

  The plurality of terminal portions 113a and 113b are provided along the outer periphery of the first electrode 113 in plan view. The plurality of terminal portions 113a and 113b are portions to which a predetermined potential can be applied from the driving unit 120. The plurality of terminal portions 113 a and 113 b correspond to a plurality of sides that form a rectangle that is a planar view shape of the first electrode 113. Specifically, the plurality of terminal portions 113a and 113b correspond to sides that are diagonally opposite to each other, that is, sides that face each other. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the plurality of terminal portions 113 a and 113 b are each connected to the drive unit 120 via the switch 141.

  The second electrode 114 is a counter electrode provided to face the first electrode 113. In this embodiment, the second electrode 114 is a light-transmitting conductive film. The second electrode 114 is a transparent electrode such as ITO. The planar view shape of the second electrode 114 is, for example, a rectangle. In this embodiment mode, the first electrode 113 and the second electrode 114 have the same size and the same shape, and are formed using the same material.

  In the present embodiment, the second electrode 114 is a target electrode to which a potential is applied from the drive unit 120. That is, in the present embodiment, the target electrodes are both the first electrode 113 and the second electrode 114. The second electrode 114 has a plurality of terminal portions 114a and 114b.

  The plurality of terminal portions 114 a and 114 b are provided along the outer periphery of the second electrode 114 in plan view. The plurality of terminal portions 114 a and 114 b are portions to which a predetermined potential can be applied from the driving unit 120. The plurality of terminal portions 114 a and 114 b correspond to a plurality of sides constituting a rectangle that is a planar view shape of the second electrode 114. Specifically, the plurality of terminal portions 114a and 114b correspond to sides that are diagonally located, that is, sides that face each other.

  The plurality of terminal portions 114a and 114b are opposed to the plurality of terminal portions 113a and 113b of the first electrode 113, respectively. Specifically, when the EC element 110 is viewed in plan, the terminal portion 113a and the terminal portion 114a are provided so as to overlap each other, and the terminal portion 113b and the terminal portion 114b are provided so as to overlap each other. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the plurality of terminal portions 114 a and 114 b are each connected to the drive unit 120 via the switch 142.

  The spacer 115 is annularly provided along the outer periphery of the first electrode 113 and the second electrode 114 so that the terminal portions of the first electrode 113 and the second electrode 114 are taken out of the spacer 115. Specifically, the spacer 115 connects portions located on the inner side by a predetermined width from the outer periphery of each of the first electrode 113 and the second electrode 114. The spacer 115 is formed, for example, by applying a resin material such as a thermosetting resin in a ring shape and curing it.

  The electrolytic solution 116 is a solution containing a metal 117 provided between the first electrode 113 and the second electrode 114. The metal 117 exists in the electrolytic solution 116 as metal ions. The electrolytic solution 116 is, for example, a solution containing silver ions that are deposited on the first electrode 113 as the metal 117.

  Note that the electrolytic solution 116 may include metal ions other than silver ions as the metal 117. The metal 117 can be deposited on the first electrode 113 or the second electrode 114 in accordance with the potential difference between the first electrode 113 and the second electrode 114. Details will be described later.

  The metal 117 is, for example, a noble metal, and specifically, silver, gold, platinum, palladium, or the like, but is not limited thereto. The metal 117 may be copper. By using a metal that has a lower ionization tendency than hydrogen, such as a noble metal, as the metal 117, a metal thin film 118 (see FIG. 3) can be stably deposited when an electric field is applied.

  Note that the electrolytic solution 116 includes not only an electrochromic material including the metal 117 but also a solvent.

  In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the user views the EC element 110 from the first substrate 111 (first electrode 113) side. For this reason, for example, the charge exchange efficiency of the first electrode 113 that is the surface viewed by the user is made higher than the charge exchange efficiency of the second electrode 114. The difference in the efficiency of charge exchange between the electrodes is created, for example, by making the surface roughness of the second electrode 114 larger than that of the first electrode 113.

  In addition, it is assumed that the user views the EC element 110 from the first substrate 111 side. For this reason, for example, the second electrode 114 and the second substrate 112 may be opaque. For example, the second substrate 112 may be a silicon substrate or the like, and the second electrode 114 may be a metal electrode such as copper.

  In addition, as for the material of the EC element 110, the material described in Patent Document 1 may be used as it is.

  The drive unit 120 applies a predetermined potential to both the first electrode 113 and the second electrode 114 of the EC element 110. That is, the driving unit 120 is a power supply unit for applying a predetermined voltage between the first electrode 113 and the second electrode 114. As shown in FIG. 3, the driving unit 120 is connected to the first electrode 113 and the second electrode 114 via the lead wire and switching unit 140.

  The drive unit 120 can change the potential applied to each of the first electrode 113 and the second electrode 114 based on control by the control unit 130. For example, the driving unit 120 controls the timing and magnitude of applying the potential based on the control signal received from the control unit 130.

  The drive unit 120 generates a pulsed pulsating voltage (DC voltage) based on, for example, electric power supplied from an external power source such as a commercial power source, and applies it between the first electrode 113 and the second electrode 114. To do. The driving unit 120 may apply an alternating voltage.

  The control unit 130 is a microcomputer (microcontroller) that controls the drive unit 120 and the switching unit 140. The control unit 130 is connected to the driving unit 120 and the switching unit 140 via wired or wireless. The control unit 130 transmits to the driving unit 120 a control signal for changing the timing of changing the applied voltage (potential) and the magnitude of the applied voltage. In addition, the driving unit 120 transmits a control signal for controlling the change of the application portion by the switching unit 140 to the switching unit 140.

  In the present embodiment, the control unit 130 changes the application portion of the predetermined potential in the first electrode 113 and the second electrode 114 during the application period of the predetermined potential by the driving unit 120. Do. Specifically, the control unit 130 repeatedly changes the application portion during the application period. Detailed operation will be described later.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the switching unit 140 includes a plurality of switches 141 and 142.

  The switch 141 connects the driving unit 120 and the first electrode 113. Specifically, the switch 141 selectively connects the drive unit 120 and the terminal portions 113 a and 113 b of the first electrode 113.

  The switch 142 connects the driving unit 120 and the second electrode 114. Specifically, the switch 142 selectively connects the driving unit 120 and the terminal units 114 a and 114 b of the second electrode 114.

  Switching of the plurality of switches 141 and 142 is controlled by the control unit 130. Specifically, the plurality of switches 141 and 142 operate in synchronization with each other. The operation of the switches 141 and 142 will be described later.

[2. principle]
Here, the principle of the EC element 110 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the principle of the EC element 110 in the present embodiment.

  Here, the principle of the EC element 110 will be described using a conventional EC device 100 x that does not include the switching unit 140. In the conventional EC device 100x, the drive unit 120 is directly connected to each of the first electrode 113 and the second electrode 114 of the EC element 110. The EC element 110 changes its optical state in accordance with the electric field applied from the driving unit 120, and can maintain the changed optical state.

[2-1. Reflection state]
First, an operation for changing the optical state of the EC element 110 from a transparent state to a reflective state will be described. Specifically, the drive unit 120 applies an electric field from the second electrode 114 toward the first electrode 113 to the EC element 110. In other words, the driving unit 120 applies predetermined power to each of the first electrode 113 and the second electrode 114 such that the first electrode 113 becomes a cathode (low potential) and the second electrode 114 becomes an anode (high potential). Apply potential.

  As a result, the metal 117 (specifically, silver ions) in the electrolytic solution 116 is deposited on the surface of the first electrode 113, and a metal thin film 118 is formed on the surface of the first electrode 113 as shown in FIG. . The metal thin film 118 is formed by depositing a metal 117 contained in the electrolytic solution 116 in a thin film shape, for example, a silver thin film.

  When the user views the EC element 110 from the first substrate 111 side (the direction of the white arrow shown in FIG. 4), the metal thin film 118 reflects light, and the EC element 110 functions as a mirror (reflection state). When a material that does not reflect light is used as the metal 117, the metal thin film 118 functions as a light shielding material (light shielding state).

  In order to maintain the reflection state (or the light shielding state), the driving unit 120 maintains the electric field applied to the EC element 110 when changing from the transparent state to the reflection state. For example, the driving unit 120 applies a voltage so that the first electrode 113 serves as a cathode and the second electrode 114 serves as an anode.

[2-2. Transparent state]
Next, an operation for changing the optical state of the EC element 110 from the reflective state to the transparent state will be described. That is, by dissolving the metal 117 (metal thin film 118) deposited on the surface of the first electrode 113, the original state without the metal thin film 118 (transparent state) is restored.

  For example, the drive unit 120 may stop applying the voltage between the first electrode 113 and the second electrode 114 and place the EC element 110 in a floating state. Further, in order to dissolve faster, an electric field having a polarity opposite to the direction in which the metal 117 is deposited, that is, an electric field directed from the first electrode 113 to the second electrode 114 may be applied to the EC element 110.

  As described above, in the EC device 100 according to the present embodiment, the first electrode 113 is applied to the first electrode 113 according to the potential difference between the first electrode 113 and the second electrode 114, that is, according to the electric field applied to the electrolytic solution 116. The metal 117 can be deposited and dissolved (formation and disappearance of the metal thin film 118).

[2-3. Problems found by the inventors]
The inventors have found the following problems with the conventional EC device 100x shown in FIG. Here, problems of the EC device 100x shown in FIG. 4 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining a problem of the conventional EC device 100x. FIG. 6 is a correlation diagram showing the relationship between the position in the electrode of the conventional EC device 100x, the film thickness of the metal thin film 118x, and the dissolution time.

  Since the first electrode 113 and the second electrode 114 are provided facing each other, the EC element 110 can be considered as a capacitor using the electrolytic solution 116 as a dielectric.

  At this time, since the first electrode 113 on the side on which the metal 117 is deposited is a transparent electrode, it is generally an electrode having a higher resistance than a metal electrode or the like. Therefore, a voltage drop occurs in the first electrode 113, and the voltage differs between the end (left side) to which the drive unit 120 is connected and the opposite end (right side).

  For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the EC element 110 can be divided into three regions on the left side (terminal portion 113a connected to the drive unit 120), the center, and the right side (terminal portion 113b side) for convenience. . In this case, capacitance is formed in each region, and charge amounts α, β, and γ are accumulated in each region. At this time, as described above, due to the voltage drop, the potential difference between the electrodes increases toward the left end of the EC element 110, and the potential difference between the electrodes decreases toward the right end, so that α> β> γ. Become.

  Here, the amount of the metal 117 deposited on the surface of the first electrode 113 depends on the charge amount. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 6, the thickness of the metal thin film 118x varies depending on the position in the plane. In FIG. 8, the horizontal axis represents the position in the plane, and the vertical axis represents the film thickness [nm] of the metal thin film 118x and the dissolution time [sec] of the metal thin film 118x.

  In FIG. 6, the metal thin film 118x is a silver thin film, and the film thickness is a value when the reflectance is 70% or more on the entire surface of the first electrode 113 (the portion where the metal thin film 118x is formed). . The melting time is the time required from the start of the melting operation until the metal thin film 118x having a reflectance of 70% or more melts and the metal thin film 118x has a reflectance of 30% or less. is there.

  The driving unit 120 applies a voltage of 1.6 V between the first electrode 113 and the second electrode 114 when the metal thin film 118x is formed, and the first electrode 113 and the second electrode 114 when the metal thin film 118x is dissolved. A 1 V voltage of reverse polarity is applied between them. In this operation, after the metal thin film 118 is formed, the state in which the metal thin film 118x is formed is maintained for 30 seconds, and then the metal thin film 118x is dissolved. Details are as shown in Patent Document 1, for example.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the thickness of the left portion of the metal thin film 118x is very thick, about three times that of the right portion. Therefore, when the metal thin film 118x is formed, it takes about 10 seconds for the reflectance to be 70% or more in the left part, and about 25 seconds in the right part. Thus, a difference of 2 times or more appears on the left and right of the metal thin film 118x. When the metal thin film 118x is melted, the left portion takes about 400 seconds, the right portion takes about 40 seconds, and a difference of about 10 times appears between the left and right.

  Therefore, when the entire EC element 110 is considered, it takes about 25 seconds under the influence of the right side when forming the metal thin film 118x, and it takes about 400 seconds under the influence of the left side when melting the metal thin film 118x. Thus, the operation efficiency on the left and right of the EC element 110 becomes poor.

[2-4. Specific features in this disclosure]
The present embodiment is intended to reduce the difference between the precipitation time and the dissolution time on the left and right and improve the overall operation efficiency. The specific configuration is as shown in FIG. That is, as shown in FIG. 3, the EC device 100 according to the present embodiment is different from the EC device 100x shown in FIG. Specifically, switches 141 and 142 are provided between the drive unit 120 and each of the first electrode 113 and the second electrode 114. The control unit 130 controls (switches) the potential application portion by the driving unit 120 by controlling the switches 141 and 142.

  The switch 141 is provided to change the potential application portion of the first electrode 113. As shown in FIG. 3, the switch 141 is selectively connected to one of the terminals SW11 and SW12.

  When the switch 141 is connected to the terminal SW11, the driving unit 120 is connected to the terminal portion 113a on the left side of the first electrode 113. Thereby, the drive part 120 can apply an electric potential to the terminal part 113a. When the switch 141 is connected to the terminal SW12, the drive unit 120 is connected to the terminal portion 113b on the right side of the first electrode 113. Thereby, the drive part 120 can apply an electric potential to the terminal part 113b.

  The switch 142 is provided to change the potential application portion of the second electrode 114. As shown in FIG. 3, the switch 142 is selectively connected to one of the terminals SW21 and SW22.

  When the switch 142 is connected to the terminal SW21, the drive unit 120 is connected to the terminal portion 114b on the right side of the second electrode 114. Thereby, the drive part 120 can apply an electric potential to the terminal part 114b. When the switch 142 is connected to the terminal SW22, the driving unit 120 is connected to the terminal portion 114a on the left side of the second electrode 114. Thereby, the drive part 120 can apply an electric potential to the terminal part 114a.

  At this time, the control unit 130 changes the application part so that the application part to the first electrode 113 and the application part to the second electrode 114 are a combination of the terminal parts farthest from each other in plan view. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the terminal portion 113a of the first electrode 113 and the terminal portion 114b of the second electrode 114 are a combination of the farthest terminal portions. Further, the terminal portion 113b of the first electrode 113 and the terminal portion 114a of the second electrode 114 are another combination of the farthest terminal portions.

  Therefore, for example, the control unit 130 switches the switches 141 and 142 by using a combination of the terminal SW11 and the terminal SW21 or a combination of the terminal SW12 and the terminal SW22 as the connection destination of each of the switches 141 and 142. For example, in the case of the combination of the terminal SW11 and the terminal SW21, a potential is applied to the terminal portion 113a on the left side of the first electrode 113 or the terminal portion 114b on the right side of the second electrode 114. As a result, an electric field can be applied so that the EC element 110 is diagonally formed during metal deposition (metal dissolution).

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a change in applied voltage of the EC device 100 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 7 shows a change in the applied voltage at the first electrode 113, and is an example of a pattern of the applied voltage. In FIG. 7, the horizontal axis is time, and the vertical axis is applied voltage.

  Here, the value of the applied voltage “−10” is a voltage necessary for depositing (dissolving) the metal 117. At this time, the switch 142 operates in conjunction with the switch 141, but the applied voltage to be applied to the second electrode 114 is set to 0 V without changing with time.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, for example, a switch is applied to the first electrode 113 while applying a voltage to both the left and right sides during a period of 0.1 msec to 10 msec (switching period in FIG. 7). The connection destination of 141 is switched from the terminal SW11 to the terminal SW12. Thereby, the application part in the 1st electrode 113 is switched from the terminal part 113a to the terminal part 113b. Then, this state is maintained for a period of about several seconds (the maintenance period in FIG. 7). Further, for example, in a period of 0.1 msec to 10 msec, the connection destination of the switch 141 is switched from the terminal SW12 to the terminal SW11 while applying a voltage to both the left and right sides.

  In this way, the control unit 130, during the application period of the predetermined potential (voltage), from the terminal portion 113a (first terminal portion) to which the potential is applied to the terminal portion 113b (second terminal portion) different from the terminal portion 113a. ) Change the application part. Furthermore, the control unit 130 changes the application part from the terminal unit 113b to the terminal unit 113a during the application period. The controller 130 repeatedly changes the application portion during the application period. In the example shown in FIG. 7, since the first electrode 113 has only two terminal portions (terminal portions 113a and 113b), the control unit 130 alternates the application portions between the terminal portion 113a and the terminal portion 113b. Change to

  The application period is a continuous period for depositing the metal 117 or a continuous period for dissolving the deposited metal thin film 118. The application period is a period during which either dissolution or precipitation is performed (deposition period or dissolution period). Therefore, the drive unit 120 does not change the polarity of the predetermined potential (voltage) during the application period.

  In the example shown in FIG. 7, a voltage of “−10” is always applied to either side of the terminal portions 113a and 113b so that the metal thin film 118 can be formed earlier, but during the switching period. “−10” may not be applied to either of the terminal portions 113a and 113b. Further, switching may be performed so that no current flows.

  Here, although the potential of the second electrode 114 is fixed to 0 V, the second electrode 114 is used if the potential difference between the first electrode 113 and the second electrode 114 is a potential difference at which the metal 117 can be deposited. The potential of 114 may be changed, or the potentials of both electrodes may be changed.

  In the example shown in FIG. 7, the gradient of the change in applied voltage during the switching period is linear, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the slope of the change may draw a sine curve or an arbitrary curve. Further, the waveform of the applied voltage shown in FIG. 7 may be rectangular.

  The film thickness of the metal thin film 118 and the melting time of the metal thin film 118 when operated as described above will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a correlation diagram showing the relationship between the position in the electrode of the EC device 100 in this embodiment, the film thickness of the metal thin film 118, and the dissolution time. The measurement conditions are the same as in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the film thickness is slightly thicker in the central part, but the difference between the left part and the right part is about 10 nm. Thus, the difference in film thickness is reduced between the right side, the center, and the left side of the metal thin film 118, and the metal thin film 118 with a more uniform film thickness can be formed. Although not shown, the time for forming the metal thin film 118 (deposition time) is about 15 seconds, which is shorter than the case shown in FIG.

  As for the dissolution time, the left part and the right part are approximately equal in about 40 seconds. Further, the dissolution time of the central portion is about 55 seconds, and the whole is 55 seconds. Thus, the dissolution time is significantly shortened compared to the case shown in FIG.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the metal thin film 118 can be formed in a substantially uniform film thickness by providing the switches 141 and 142 and changing the application portion in the electrode. Furthermore, precipitation and dissolution of the metal 117 can be performed efficiently. That is, the time required for the deposition of the metal 117 or the dissolution of the metal thin film 118 is shortened, so that the optical state can be switched smoothly.

[3. Modified example]
As described above, in the present embodiment, an example in which each of the first electrode 113 and the second electrode 114 has two terminal portions has been described, but the number of terminal portions is not limited thereto. Moreover, although the example in which the planar view shapes of the first electrode 113 and the second electrode 114 are rectangular is shown, the planar view shape may be a circle or an ellipse.

  Below, the modification 1 and 2 of this Embodiment is demonstrated.

[3-1. Modification 1 (number of terminal portions)]
FIG. 9 is a plan view of the first electrode 213 in the first modification.

  The EC device (or EC element) in this modification includes a first electrode 213 and a second electrode 214 instead of the first electrode 113 and the second electrode 114. The first electrode 213 and the second electrode 214 have the same configuration as the first electrode 113 and the second electrode 114 in the embodiment, respectively, except that the number of terminal portions is different.

  In the present modification, the configurations of the first electrode 213 and the second electrode 214 (see FIG. 10) are the same. For this reason, in the following description, the first electrode 213 will be described as an example, and the detailed configuration of the second electrode 214 will be omitted. In this modification, there are three or more application portions of the first electrode 213, and the three or more application portions are sequentially changed.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, the first electrode 213 has four terminal portions 213a to 213d. Each of the four terminal portions 213a to 213d is provided along the outer periphery of the first electrode 213 in plan view. Specifically, the planar view shape of the first electrode 213 is, for example, a square, and the four terminal portions 213a to 213d respectively correspond to the sides of the square.

  In this modification, a switch (not shown) (corresponding to the switch 141 in FIG. 3) selectively connects the drive unit 120 and each of the four terminal units 213a to 213d. The control unit 130 controls the switch to connect any one of the four terminal units 213a to 213d and the driving unit 120, and a potential (voltage) is applied to the connected terminal unit.

  FIG. 10 is a transition diagram showing the change over time of the electrode application portion in this modification. In FIG. 10, only the first electrode 213 and the second electrode 214 in the present modification are schematically shown, and other configurations such as the first substrate 111 are not shown.

  The second electrode 214 has the same configuration as the first electrode 213, and has four terminal portions 214a to 214d. The four terminal portions 214a to 214d are provided so as to overlap each of the terminal portions 213a to 213d of the first electrode 213 in plan view.

  In the present modification, the control unit 130, during the application period of the potential by the driving unit 120, from the first terminal unit that is the terminal unit that is being applied, to the second terminal unit that is the terminal unit farthest from the first terminal unit. Change the application part. In addition, the control unit 130 changes the application part so that the application part to the first electrode 213 and the application part to the second electrode 214 are a combination of terminal parts farthest from each other in plan view.

  At this time, the combination of the terminal part of the 1st electrode 213 and the terminal part of the 2nd electrode 214 is as follows, as shown to (a)-(d) of FIG.

(A) The terminal part 213a of the first electrode 213 and the terminal part 214b of the second electrode 214
(B) The terminal portion 213b of the first electrode 213 and the terminal portion 214a of the second electrode 214
(C) The terminal portion 213c of the first electrode 213 and the terminal portion 214d of the second electrode 214
(D) The terminal portion 213d of the first electrode 213 and the terminal portion 214c of the second electrode 214

  Thus, the terminal parts located diagonally to each other are combined. Specifically, the combination of terminal portions is such that an imaginary straight line extending from the application portion to the first electrode 213 to the application portion to the second electrode 214 traverses (or longitudinally) the electrolyte solution 116 in a plan view. Is determined.

  In this modification, the control unit 130 sequentially executes the four combinations shown in (a) to (d) of FIG. 10 once each and repeats the sequential execution of the combinations during the application period. At this time, for example, the same potential difference is given for the same period for each combination of terminal portions. For example, in one cycle of sequential execution, the control unit 130 selects the terminal portion (second terminal portion) farthest from the terminal portion being applied from the terminal portions included in the unexecuted combination, and selects the selected first portion. The application part is changed to the two-terminal part.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 10A, when the application part to the first electrode 213 is the terminal part 213a, the terminal part farthest from the terminal part 213a is on the side located at the diagonal of the terminal part 213a. The corresponding terminal portion 213b. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 10A to 10B, the control unit 130 changes the application part to the terminal unit 213b and the terminal unit 214a.

  Next, since the current application part is the terminal part 213b and the combination of (a) and (b) has been executed, the control unit 130 determines that the terminal part 213c and the terminal part 213d included in the unexecuted combination The terminal part farthest from the terminal part 213b is selected from the inside, and the application part is changed to the selected terminal part. Here, since the distance between each of the terminal portion 213c and the terminal portion 213d and the terminal portion 213b is substantially equal, the control unit 130 may select either the terminal portion 213c or the terminal portion 213c. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 10C, the control unit 130 changes the application portion to the terminal unit 213 c and the terminal unit 214 d.

  Next, the control unit 130 changes the application part to the combination (d) that has not been executed among the four combinations (a) to (d). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10D, the application portion is changed to the terminal portion 213d and the terminal portion 214c.

  Thereafter, the control unit 130 repeats the sequential execution of (a) to (d) during the application period. As a result, the electric field applied to the electrolytic solution 116 is time-averaged and uniformed in the plane. Therefore, the two-dimensional film thickness uniformity of the metal thin film 118 can be improved.

  The above combinations (a) to (d) are not sequentially executed, but (a) and (c) are simultaneously executed, (b) and (d) are simultaneously executed, and these are alternately performed. It may be repeatedly executed.

  Further, in the example shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the terminal portion is arranged for each side of the first electrode 213 and the second electrode 214, but the terminal portion may be formed over two sides. That is, the terminal portion may be formed in an L shape.

  Here, an interval between adjacent terminal portions will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a correlation diagram showing the relationship between the resistance based on the distance between the electrodes of the EC device in this modification, the film thickness of the metal thin film, and the dissolution time.

  In FIG. 11, the horizontal axis represents the resistance between adjacent terminal portions, and the vertical axis represents the film thickness [nm] and the dissolution time [sec]. The resistance indicated by the horizontal axis in FIG. 11 is indicated by a numerical value when the resistance between the first electrode 213 and the second electrode 214 via the electrolytic solution 116 is “R”. The resistance between adjacent terminal portions is, for example, the resistance with the shortest distance between the terminal portion 213a and the terminal portion 213c. When adjacent terminal portions are very close to each other, the resistance is substantially 0, which is 0 in FIG.

  If different potentials are applied by making the adjacent terminal portions completely independent, there is no effect on the spacing between the terminal portions. However, when there is a case where the same voltage is temporarily obtained when the electrodes are switched, unintentional deposition of the metal 117 occurs, so it is necessary to consider the interval between adjacent terminal portions.

  As can be seen from FIG. 11, when the resistance between adjacent terminal portions is low, the thickness of the metal thin film 118 increases, that is, the amount of deposition of the metal 117 increases. For this reason, the resistance between the adjacent terminal portions is set to be equal to or higher than the resistance “R” between the first electrode 213 and the second electrode 214. Thereby, the precipitation amount of the metal 117 can be suppressed and the film thickness can be made uniform in the plane. For example, the resistance between adjacent terminal portions may be five times or more “R”. Thereby, the film thickness of the metal thin film 118 can be made more uniform.

[3-2. Modification 2 (electrode shape)]
FIG. 11 is a plan view of the first electrode 313 in the second modification.

  The EC device (or EC element) in this modification includes a first electrode 313 shown in FIG. 11 instead of the first electrode 113. The first electrode 313 has the same configuration as the first electrode 113 in the embodiment, except that the shape in plan view and the number of terminal portions are different. Although not described in detail, the EC device in this modification includes a second electrode having the same configuration as the first electrode 313 instead of the second electrode 114.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the planar view shape of the 1st electrode 313 is circular. In the present modification, the first electrode 313 has six terminal portions 313a to 313f. The six terminal portions 313a to 313f correspond to a plurality of arcs forming a circle. A driving unit 120 can be connected to each of the six terminal units 313a to 313f, and a potential by the driving unit 120 can be applied.

  In this case, as in the first modification, the control unit 130 is connected to the terminal portion farthest from the first terminal portion from the first terminal portion that is the terminal portion being applied during the application period of the potential by the driving unit 120. The application portion is changed to a certain second terminal portion. In the present modification, since the six terminal portions 313a to 313f are arranged along the arc, the second terminal portion is a terminal portion corresponding to the arc positioned at the diagonal of the first terminal portion.

  The control unit 130 sequentially applies a potential to each of the terminal units 313a to 313f once. The control unit 130 repeatedly executes this sequential application. In addition, in one cycle of sequential application, the control unit 130 selects a terminal part farthest from the currently applied terminal part as the next application part from among a plurality of terminal parts excluding the already applied terminal part. A potential is applied to the selected terminal portion.

  For example, the control unit 130 sequentially applies potentials in the order of the terminal unit 313a, the terminal unit 313b, the terminal unit 313c, the terminal unit 313d, the terminal unit 313e, and the terminal unit 313f, and repeats the sequential application. In addition, although the terminal part 313c was selected as an application part of the terminal part 313b, the terminal part 313f may be sufficient. In this case, the control unit 130 may sequentially apply the potential in the order of the terminal unit 313a, the terminal unit 313b, the terminal unit 313f, the terminal unit 313e, the terminal unit 313d, and the terminal unit 313c, and repeat the sequential application.

  In the present modification, the switching order of the terminal portions 313a to 313f is not limited to the above example. For example, switching may be performed along an arc.

  Further, the number of terminal portions may be arbitrarily set to a numerical value of 2 or more. For example, in the first electrode 213 shown in FIG. 9, two terminal portions may be provided on the same side (arc).

  Moreover, the planar view shape of the first electrode 113 and the second electrode 114 is not limited to a rectangle or a circle, but may be a shape including a curve such as an ellipse, a polygon, or the like.

  FIG. 13 is a plan view of the first electrode 413 having another plan view shape in the present modification. For example, as in the first electrode 413 shown in FIG. 13, a case where the corners of the trapezoidal shape are tapered (bent) with a certain curvature can be considered. In this case, as shown by a broken line in FIG. 13, terminal portions 413a and 413b are provided along a portion where the curvature circle and the outer shape substantially coincide with each other. It is desirable to leave a space between the terminal portions 413a and 413b without providing a terminal portion.

[4. Example of connection to terminal section]
Next, an example of a connection method of lead wires for connecting each of the first electrode 113 and the second electrode 114 to the driving unit 120 will be described.

  FIG. 14 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an end portion of the EC element 110 of the EC device 100 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 14 shows an example in which a lead wire is used for connection between the terminal portion and the drive portion 120 (or the switch 141 or 142).

  In the present embodiment, the first electrode 113 and the second electrode 114 are opposed to each other with a narrow gap of approximately 1 mm or less. For this reason, it is difficult to connect the lead wires to the terminal portions at the same position of both the upper and lower electrodes.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the EC element 110 includes conductive films 511 and 512, an insulator 513, a clip 514, and lead wires 515 and 516. In FIG. 14, only the right end of the EC element 110 is shown, but the left end also has the same configuration.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the conductive films 511 and 512 are connected to the ends of the first electrode 113 and the second electrode 114, respectively, and are folded back to the opposite sides of the first substrate 111 and the second substrate 112. Yes. Here, the film 511 is connected to the terminal portion 113 b of the first electrode 113. The film 512 is connected to the terminal portion 114 b of the second electrode 114. The films 511 and 512 are metal foils, such as aluminum foil and copper foil, for example. Note that instead of the conductive films 511 and 512, a foldable thin conductive plate material may be used.

  The insulator 513 is inserted between the films 511 and 512. Thereby, it can suppress that the film 511 and the film 512 contact and short-circuit electrically. The insulator 513 is formed using an elastic resin material such as urethane or silicone rubber. Three insulators 513 can be inserted between the first electrode 113 and the second electrode 114 in a lump (simultaneously) while being sandwiched between the films 511 and 512.

  The clip 514 is an example of a fastener that is not conductive at least on the contact surface. By holding the clip 514 across the end of the EC element 110, it is possible to establish good electrical continuity between each of the lead wires 515 and 516 and the terminal portions 113b and 114b.

  Lead wires 515 and 516 are conductive wirings for supplying a potential from the drive unit 120. Although not shown, the lead wires 515 and 516 are connected to the drive unit 120 via the switch 141 and the switch 142, respectively.

  As shown in FIG. 14, lead wires 515 and 516 are connected to films 511 and 512, respectively. Specifically, the lead wire 515 is connected at a portion (folded portion) of the film 511 on the first substrate 111 side. The lead wire 516 is connected at a portion (folded portion) of the film 512 on the second substrate 112 side. The lead wires 515 and 516 and the films 511 and 512 can be connected using, for example, a conductive adhesive such as solder.

  In the EC element 110 shown in FIG. 14, the lead wires 515 and 516 are connected to the films 511 and 512 outside the substrate, not between the narrow electrodes, respectively. Therefore, since the connection is made in a wide space outside the substrate, the connection reliability can be improved, and a short circuit between the electrodes can be suppressed.

[5. Example of use]
Below, the specific usage example is demonstrated regarding the EC apparatus 100 comprised as mentioned above. In the EC element 110 of the present embodiment, the transmittance can be reduced to 0.1% or less in a light-shielded state, and when the deposited metal 117 is a metal having light reflectivity, a reflectance of 80% is ensured. Can do. Therefore, it can be used for various applications, for example, as a smart mirror, a smart window (building material window, skylight), or a sunroof for automobiles.

  For example, the EC device 100 can be used for a smart mirror 600 as shown in FIG. FIG. 15 is a conceptual diagram of smart mirror 600 in the present embodiment.

  A smart mirror 600 shown in FIG. 15 is a rear-view mirror of an automobile such as a room mirror. The smart mirror 600 is a device that displays an image of a camera attached to the rear part of the automobile on a display disposed at the position of the rearview mirror, replaces the rearview mirror, and switches to a normal mirror.

  As illustrated in FIG. 15, the smart mirror includes an EC device 100 and a display device 610. The EC element 110 of the EC device 100 is disposed in front of the display device 610 (that is, on the display surface side).

  For example, the EC element 110 of the EC device 100 can deposit silver as the metal thin film 118, and the second electrode 114 is also transparent. The EC element 110 can switch between a transparent state and a reflective state according to an applied electric field.

  The display device 610 is a flat display such as a liquid crystal display device (LCD) or an organic EL (Electroluminescence) display device.

  The smart mirror 600 is assumed to be viewed by the user from the EC device 100 side. The smart mirror 600 can execute two modes, a mirror mode and a liquid crystal mode.

  As shown in FIG. 15A, in the mirror mode, since the EC element 110 is in a reflecting state, light is reflected from the surface of the EC element 110 and functions as a mirror. At this time, even if the display device 610 displays content such as an image or a video (for example, a video behind the vehicle), it is blocked by the EC element 110. For this reason, the user cannot see the image or video displayed on the display device 610.

  As shown in FIG. 15B, in the liquid crystal mode, the EC element 110 is in a transparent state, and the display device 610 displays content such as an image or video. Since the EC element 110 transmits light, the user can view the content displayed on the display device 610 as it is.

  The mode of smart mirror 600 may be switched by a user operation or may be switched depending on the content.

  For example, the EC device 100 can be used not only for smart mirrors but also for smart glasses. Smart glasses have been developed for the purpose of displaying images on a glass portion of glasses with a display device or a micro projector, and giving work instructions or guidance. However, it is very susceptible to external light, and it is difficult to ensure contrast for viewing with human eyes.

  By applying the EC device 100 according to the present embodiment to this, the influence of external light can be reduced.

  When used for smart glasses, a part of the lenses may be partially used as an EC device without using the entire eyeglass lens, or only one of the left and right lenses may be used as an EC device. Good.

  In addition, when used as a window such as a smart window or a sunroof of an automobile, the metal 117 is deposited to be in a light-shielding state, so that it can be used as a normal window in a transparent state while exhibiting a heat shielding effect.

[6. Summary]
As described above, the EC device 100 according to the present embodiment includes the first electrode 113 having translucency, the second electrode 114 provided to face the first electrode 113, the first electrode 113, and the second electrode. An electrolyte solution 116 including a metal 117 that can be deposited on the first electrode 113 or the second electrode 114 in accordance with a potential difference between the first electrode 113 and the second electrode 114, and the first electrode. The driving unit 120 for applying a predetermined potential to the target electrode that is at least one of the 113 and the second electrode 114, and changing the application portion of the predetermined potential in the target electrode during the application period of the predetermined potential. And a control unit 130 to perform.

  As a result, the potential application portion is changed in the target electrode during the application period of the predetermined potential, so that the bias of the potential in the target electrode can be suppressed. For example, since the electric field applied to the electrolytic solution 116 is time-averaged, the deposition of the metal 117 can be made more uniform in the plane. That is, it is possible to form the metal thin film 118 with little in-plane thickness deviation.

  In addition, for example, the first electrode 113 which is an example of the target electrode is a plurality of terminal portions provided along the outer periphery in plan view, and has a plurality of terminal portions 113a and 113b to which a predetermined potential can be applied. Then, the control unit 130, from among the plurality of terminal units 113a and 113b, a first terminal unit (for example, the terminal unit 113a) to which a predetermined potential is being applied is different from the first terminal unit (for example, The application portion is changed to the terminal portion 113b).

  Thereby, since the terminal part is provided along the outer periphery, connection of a lead wire etc. becomes easy.

  Further, for example, the second terminal portion (for example, the terminal portion 113b) is the terminal portion farthest from the first terminal portion (for example, the terminal portion 113a).

  Thereby, when a potential is applied to the first terminal portion, the potential of the second terminal portion farthest from the first terminal portion tends to be the lowest due to a voltage drop in the target electrode. Therefore, by changing the application portion from the first terminal portion to the second terminal portion, a high potential can be supplied to the second terminal portion where the potential is low. Therefore, the electric field applied to the electrolyte solution 116 is time-averaged, so that the deposition of the metal 117 can be made more uniform in the plane.

  For example, the planar view shape of the first electrode 113 which is an example of the target electrode is a rectangle, and the plurality of terminal portions 113a and 113b correspond to the plurality of sides constituting the rectangle, and the second terminal portion (for example, The terminal portion 113b) is a terminal portion corresponding to a side located diagonally to the first terminal portion (for example, the terminal portion 113b). For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the planar view shape of the first electrode 313 which is an example of the target electrode is a circle or an ellipse, and the plurality of terminal portions 313a to 313f form a circle or an ellipse. The second terminal portion (for example, the terminal portion 313b) is a terminal portion corresponding to the arc positioned at the diagonal of the first terminal portion (for example, the terminal portion 313b).

  Thereby, even when the shape of the target electrode in plan view is rectangular or circular, the electric field applied to the electrolytic solution 116 is time-averaged by changing the application portion with respect to the plurality of terminal portions provided along the outer periphery. Therefore, the deposition of the metal 117 can be made more uniform in the plane.

  For example, the EC device 100 further includes a switch 141 that selectively connects the driving unit 120 and any one of the plurality of terminal units 113a and 113b, and the control unit 130 controls the switch 141. Change the application part.

  Thereby, the application part can be easily changed by controlling the switch. Therefore, it is possible to easily control the uniform thickness of the deposited metal thin film 118.

  For example, the control unit 130 further changes the application portion from the second terminal unit (for example, the terminal unit 113b) to the first terminal unit (for example, the terminal unit 113a) during the application period.

  Thereby, since the change of the application part is performed not only once but a plurality of times, the bias of the application part can be further suppressed. Therefore, the deposition of the metal 117 can be made more uniform in the plane.

  Further, for example, the control unit 130 repeatedly changes the application portion during the application period.

  Thereby, since the change of an application part is performed repeatedly, the bias of an application part is suppressed further. Therefore, the deposition of the metal 117 can be made more uniform in the plane.

  For example, the target electrode is both the first electrode 113 and the second electrode 114.

  Thereby, since a potential is applied to both the first electrode 113 and the second electrode 114, the potential difference between the electrodes can be easily controlled, and the uniformity of the thickness of the deposited metal thin film 118 can be easily controlled. it can.

  By the way, the case where the application part of the electric potential to each of the 1st electrode 113 and the 2nd electrode 114 is near is assumed. For example, in FIG. 3, when a potential is applied to the terminal portion 113a and the terminal portion 114a, a strong electric field is applied to the left portion of the electrolytic solution 116, but the electric field applied to the right portion of the electrolytic solution 116 is weak. Become. For this reason, the metal 117 is hardly deposited in the right portion of the electrolytic solution 116, and the film thickness of the metal thin film 118 becomes nonuniform.

  On the other hand, in the present embodiment, for example, in the control unit 130, the application part to the first electrode 113 and the application part to the second electrode 114 are a combination of the terminal parts farthest from each other in plan view. Thus, the application part is changed.

  Thereby, the application part of the electric potential to each of the 1st electrode 113 and the 2nd electrode 114 can be kept away from each other. For this reason, for example, since most of the electrolyte solution 116 is located between the application portion of the first electrode 113 and the application portion of the second electrode 114, a potential can be effectively applied to the electrolyte solution 116.

  For example, the metal 117 is a noble metal. At this time, for example, the noble metal is silver, gold, platinum, or palladium.

  Thereby, since the noble metal has a small ionization tendency, the metal 117 can be stably deposited as the metal thin film 118 when an electric field is applied to the electrolytic solution 116.

(Other embodiments)
As described above, the embodiments have been described as examples of the technology disclosed in the present application. However, the technology in the present disclosure is not limited to this, and can also be applied to embodiments in which changes, replacements, additions, omissions, and the like have been made as appropriate. Moreover, it is also possible to combine each component demonstrated in said embodiment into a new embodiment.

  Thus, other embodiments will be exemplified below.

  For example, in the above embodiment, an example in which the application portion is changed when the metal 117 is deposited has been described. However, the application portion may be changed when the metal thin film 118 is dissolved. Alternatively, the application portion may be changed both when the metal 117 is deposited and when the metal 117 is dissolved.

  Further, for example, the application portion of only one of the first electrode 113 and the second electrode 114 may be changed. That is, the target electrode to which the potential is applied by the driving unit 120 may be only one of the first electrode 113 and the second electrode 114. The target electrode may be at least one of the first electrode 113 and the second electrode 114.

  For example, when one of the first electrode 113 and the second electrode 114 is grounded, all the terminal portions may be simultaneously connected to the drive unit 120 without changing the application portion.

  As described above, the embodiments have been described as examples of the technology in the present disclosure. For this purpose, the accompanying drawings and detailed description are provided.

  Accordingly, among the components described in the attached drawings and detailed description, not only the components essential for solving the problem, but also the components not essential for solving the problem in order to exemplify the above technique. May also be included. Therefore, it should not be immediately recognized that these non-essential components are essential as those non-essential components are described in the accompanying drawings and detailed description.

  In addition, since the above-mentioned embodiment is for demonstrating the technique in this indication, a various change, substitution, addition, abbreviation, etc. can be performed in a claim or its equivalent range.

  The present disclosure can be applied to a device capable of changing an optical state such as a smart mirror, a smart glass, and a smart window because metal deposition can be more uniformly performed in a plane.

100, 100x electrochromic device (EC device)
110 Electrochromic device (EC device)
111 First substrate 112 Second substrate 113, 213, 313, 413 First electrode 113a, 113b, 114a, 114b, 213a, 213b, 213c, 213d, 214a, 214b, 214c, 214d, 313a, 313b, 313c, 313d, 313e, 313f, 413a, 413b Terminal portion 114, 214 Second electrode 115 Spacer 116 Electrolytic solution 117 Metal 118, 118x Metal thin film 120 Drive unit 130 Control unit 140 Switching unit 141, 142 Switch 511, 512 Film 513 Insulator 514 Clip 515 516 Lead wire 600 Smart mirror 610 Display device

Claims (11)

A first electrode having translucency;
A second electrode provided facing the first electrode;
An electrolytic solution that is provided between the first electrode and the second electrode and includes a metal that can be deposited on the first electrode or the second electrode in accordance with a potential difference between the first electrode and the second electrode. When,
A drive unit for applying a predetermined potential to a target electrode that is at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode;
An electrochromic device comprising: a control unit that changes a portion to which the predetermined potential is applied in the target electrode during the application period of the predetermined potential. The target electrode is a plurality of terminal portions provided along an outer periphery in plan view, and has a plurality of terminal portions to which the predetermined potential can be applied,
The said control part changes the said application part from the 1st terminal part in which the said predetermined electric potential is being applied among the said several terminal parts to the 2nd terminal part different from the said 1st terminal part. 2. The electrochromic device according to 1. The plurality of terminal portions include three or more terminal portions including the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion,
The electrochromic device according to claim 2, wherein the second terminal portion is a terminal portion farthest from the first terminal portion among the plurality of terminal portions . The planar view shape of the target electrode is a rectangle, a circle or an ellipse,
The plurality of terminal portions correspond to a plurality of sides constituting the rectangle, or a plurality of arcs constituting the circle or the ellipse,
The electrochromic device according to claim 3, wherein the second terminal portion is a terminal portion corresponding to a side or an arc located at a diagonal of the first terminal portion. further,
A switch for selectively connecting the driving unit and any one of the plurality of terminal units;
The electrochromic device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the control unit changes the application portion by controlling the switch. The electrochromic device according to claim 2 , wherein the controller further changes the application portion from the second terminal portion to the first terminal portion during the application period. The electrochromic device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit repeatedly changes the application portion during the application period. The electrochromic device according to claim 1, wherein the target electrode is both the first electrode and the second electrode. The control unit changes the application part so that the application part to the first electrode and the application part to the second electrode are a combination of terminal parts farthest from each other in plan view. The electrochromic device described in 1. The electrochromic device according to claim 1, wherein the metal is a noble metal. The electrochromic device according to claim 10, wherein the noble metal is silver, gold, platinum, or palladium.

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